Nathan Horton signs seven-year deal with Blue Jackets

Free agent forwardNathan Horton signed a seven-year, $37.1 million deal with the Blue Jackets on the first day of free agency. The contract carries an annual cap hit of $5.3 million.

Horton had informed the Bruins after three seasons with them that he was not interested in returning to the team, as he was seeking a different environment for his family. Though the right wing struggled with consistency and saw two of his three seasons with the B’s ended early by concussions, he played a major role in their two trips to the Stanley Cup finals, scoring 15 goals and adding 21 assists in 43 career playoff games, all with the Bruins.

Asked at his introductory why he chose to leave the Bruins, Horton said that he didn’t enjoy city life and wanted a quieter place for his family.

“I’m thankful for my opportunity in Boston,” Horton, a father of two, said. “I’m very thankful. I met a lot of great people. I had great teammates and had a great time there.

“I just think being in the city, it’a great opportunity to be in a house with a little more quiet. It’s what I was looking for, and an opportunity like that is here.”

The contract sees a bump in both term and cap hit from his previous deal, which was a six-year deal with $4 million a year.